Wheelchair accessible plane

[eternaldisneyfan]

I got this link in one of my newsletters. http://www.iflymat.org/ It is a plane that you can stay in your wheelchair while you fly!

"MAT is developing a nationwide air taxi service made up of specialized aircraft modified for the express purpose of accommodating air passengers with wheelchairs (manual or powered) and travel companions such as family members and assist animals.

Flights will be priced per person, comparable to air fares published online by major airlines.

As an added benefit, our flights will fly in and out of smaller, regional airports with more convenient access to our specialized aircraft and closer proximity to the traveler's departure or destination.

MAT flights are perfect for persons in wheelchairs or scooters wanting:

Personal Travel
Business Travel
Convenience & Comfort
Fly with family, friends and assistants, assist dogs, & assist monkeys"

Isn't this awesome!!


Christamae

 

[BCV23]

That is awesome indeed especially if prices really are in line with major carriers.

 

[Adi12982]

Wow - sounds great. Hope the prices are similar to major carriers. It is always such a mission to get my brother on a plane - they have to transfer him to a tiny isle chair and carry him over to his seat and such and then he is always last off!

 

[Schmeck]

I wouldn't be surprised if they use first class pricing as their guide, though. It looks like they can only fit 5-6 passengers on the plane? That's going to cost $$$ in fuel and airport fees.

 

[eternaldisneyfan]

Actually the website tells how they figure the price:

"This is the formula we use to calculate the fare of our flights.

We visit www.ORBITZ.com

We see what one way, non-stop, economy flights are available within 2 days of today. (not the travel day far in advance)

We enter the nearest departure city and nearest arrival city closest to one of our hub cities.

example: It is now Friday, February 23rd. You want to fly from Denver to Dallas. We looked at Saturday's flights and found the following choices:

We would price our fare to you at $198 with is the lowest fare including taxes that is a non-stop flight."

Sounds pretty good to me! The homepage says they are nonprofit...

Christamae

 

[dclfun]

Wow- sounds great to me! You should see me in the aisle chair with someone dragging my vent and my service dog in a slight panic since she can't see me ahead of her. I feel like a side of beef being hauled in. I would really appreciate also being able to stay in my chair for the comfort/support factor. Without head and trunk control it is difficult to stay upright in a plane seat. ---Kathy

 

[LindsayDunn228]

Wow - sounds great. Hope the prices are similar to major carriers. It is always such a mission to get my brother on a plane - they have to transfer him to a tiny isle chair and carry him over to his seat and such and then he is always last off!

This is usually the case with folks who are in wheelchairs, including myself. I never really thought it was that big of a deal. But glad to see there are going to be more options.

 

[SueM in MN]

I can see it would be very useful for some people.
My DD is not very large and usually has good head control and pretty good trunk control, so it's not too hard to get her onto the plane. She can also sit fairly well in the plane seat.
I can see for some people it would be very helpful, especially people in situations where their wheelchair has things they need like seatbelts, headrests and/or pressure reduction seating.

Looking at all the pages on their website, it looks like they are not totally set up yet (the HUB page has a list of proposed HUB sites). I hope they are able to get off the ground (hub intended) because I think it will be a good service for some people.

 

[shovan]

Wow! That would be great! Flying is becoming more difficult for us lately. Getting loaded on board first, off last. Getting out of the WC into the aisle chair, then into the seat. It's a pain! Going to check out these guys! Thanks for posting this!